Policies, Orders and Public Rules

Document Types

A public rule refers to any department order, directive, or regulation applicable to King County citizens which has the force of law. The violation of these rules subjects a person outside of county employment to a penalty or payment of a fee.

Prior to the approval of each public rule, the public is given the opportunity to provide comment. Public rules become effective 30 days after the date of filing with the Archives and Records Management Section, and remain in effect until they are superseded by another public rule, or are rescinded. See King County Code 2.98.010 for more information.

A policy is a directive intended to achieve or reinforce compliance with established mandates. Used to provide clear guidance to the workforce to ensure compliance with a mandate that exists in county code, state law or other legal authority.

Executive Policies (AEP or EP) are approved by the County Executive, for broad purposes and intended to achieve or reinforce compliance with established mandates. Used by the Executive Branch to provide clear guidance to the workforce to ensure compliance with a mandate that exists in county code, state law or other legal authority.

Department Policies (DP) are approved by the director of a department (or individual agency) that have applicability and consequences that are limited to a single department or agency of the Executive Branch.

A formal statements issued exclusively by the Executive mainly for the purpose of delegation of authority and responsibility, often to establish a value, and/or set a direction and/or require action for something that may not be a legal mandate.

Directing the King County Department of Transportation to Develop an Integrated Transit Service Plan in Coordination with Sound Transit and Partner Agencies to Ensure that Service is Delivered As Efficiently and Effectively as Possible

Directing county-wide implementation of capital construction project management standards developed by the Capital Project Management Work Group and approved by the Steering Committee, and establishing a web-based repository for project management standards

Overtime Pay and Compensatory Time in Lieu of Overtime Pay Overtime Pay, Holiday Pay and Compensatory Time in Lieu of Overtime Pay for Hourly Employees as Defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Washington Minimum Wage Act,

Directing Integration of Biodiversity Conservation Principles into Operations and Planning and Approving Participation in the Local Action for Biodiversity Project Including Implementation of Actions Outlined in the "Durban Commitment"